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iPod Mini Battery Replacement
Last modified Wed, Aug 1, 2007

Do it yourself instructions to replace the iPod Mini battery

Our friends at Kokopelli Music were kind enough to offer these instructions. They're experts at all iPod repairs you're likely to need.

These "do it your self instructions" occasionally refer to Kokopelli parts but they will apply no matter where you purchased your replacement battery. Kokopelli provides iPod replacements parts and services for all your iPod repair needs. - Editors

The batteries that power iPods are lithium polymer. All batteries will wear out and if you have had your iPod Mini for over a year or so it may be time to replace it. The length of time your battery will last is dependent on general usage and how many full recharges you've done. The good news about this is it is a relatively simple and inexpensive matter to replace your battery and when you're finished you'll have an iPod capable of playing for up to 18 hours. You'll also have some bragging rights and the satisfaction of having done it yourself, you'll have saved a bunch of money too!

That said, if you don't feel up to the task you can easily send it off to Kokopelli or one of the other recomended services listed on the side.

Now before you start, some words of advice:

Read these instructions a few times, study the photos, have patience. NEVER force anything because the parts are small, wires fragile and they are easily broken. If something comes unplugged that shouldn’t or you do break something, don’t panic, if you don’t think you can fix it, just email us at kokopellimusic we will do our best to help you. If you decide you’d rather have us do the replacement for you, STOP, go to our website and purchase the “Installation Only” option, and we’ll be happy to do the rest of the job for much less than it will cost you to replace your iPod.

Now get your tools and let's get started.

Tools required: 2 screw drivers, needlenose plyers. Time required: 15 to 30 minutes.
1. Turn off the iPod, and engage its Hold switch so it doesn't turn on while you're working on it. Ground yourself to discharge any static electricity.	2. Lay the iPod face up on a flat work surface. Gently insert the slot head screwdriver into the top as shown. It may take a few tries to get it in and pry it off. Remove the small screws underneath.
3. Now turn the iPod over and pry off the bottom cover. The best place to insert the screwdriver to pry off the cover is 1.5 cm from the end, under the firewire connector.
4. Under the bottom cover you should see a small metal plate with 4 prongs on each corner. Push the screwdriver under these, one at a time, to remove the bottom plate as shown.


5. This is the most delicate part of the whole operation. Very carefully and preferably using needle nosed pliers, gently pry up the small connector at the bottom of the main board – it may be labeled “Molex”. It’s hinged at one end. If you don’t have needle nosed pliers, pry gently with the two small screwdrivers provided. Pry at the middle where it’s strongest, NOT at the edges. Be very careful – pull gently so you don’t rip the tape, and squeeze gently so you don’t damage the delicate connectors underneath the tape.
9. Strip the last 1/2 inch off each of the three wires coming from the iPod. 10. Insert your new battery in the iPod. You will now have a total of 6 wires: 3 from the iPod and 3 from the battery. Just match the colors, and using tweezers or your fingers, twist together the pairs of wires that have the same color. Put a bit of ordinary scotch tape around each pair as shown in the top picture. Make sure all exposed wire is covered with scotch tape.
6. Carefully slide the main board out of the iPod until the battery is exposed. Remove the connector and the battery and replace it with your new Kokopelli battery.	7. Gently slide the main board back into the iPod and carefully reconnect the Molex connector. Put the small screws back in and snap the bottom and top covers back on.

	8. Turn on your iPod. Don’t forget to fully charge your new battery before using it. You’re done – congratulations!